LinkedIn and Monster Remove Over 1,500 Misleading Job Postings Linked to MLM Company
Following a CBC News visual investigation, LinkedIn and Monster removed more than 1,500 fake job postings connected to U.S.-based multi-level marketing company Evolution Travel. The listings promised remote work with salaries up to $75,000 USD but directed applicants to information sessions requiring upfront fees and monthly subscriptions.
LinkedIn and Monster have taken down more than 1,500 misleading job postings after a CBC News visual investigation revealed the listings funneled applicants toward a U.S.-based multi-level marketing (MLM) company called Evolution Travel.
The fake job postings advertised remote positions such as "Work From Home Travel Planner" and promised annual salaries of up to $75,000 US with no experience required. Instead of traditional employment, applicants were directed to virtual information sessions where they were asked to pay hundreds of dollars upfront, along with a monthly subscription fee, to join the program. A hidden $50 annual fee was also included in the contractor agreement.
A network of travel-related pages posting these suspicious jobs was connected to Evolution Travel, which operates through partner Archer Travel Services and describes itself as a home-based travel business involving network marketing. The company currently has 27,000 independent contractors globally.
Following the investigation late last month, LinkedIn removed close to 900 ads connected to Evolution Travel, stating the posts were misleading and violated company policy. Monster removed 600 listings, citing clear policies that prohibit misleading job postings and multi-level marketing opportunities.
While MLMs are not illegal in Canada or the United States, former U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chairman William Kovacic stated that if he were still at the agency, he would investigate Evolution Travel for shrouding fees and misleading users. In 2021, Evolution Travel was among 1,000 companies put on notice by the FTC regarding potentially misleading money-making opportunity representations.
Evolution Travel's compensation plan includes membership tiers reaching up to "8 Star Platinum," which requires recruiting 100,000 people. This structure was not disclosed during the initial information sessions presented to applicants.
Diedre Norton, an independent agent linked to multiple travel businesses involved in the ads—including Wanderwell Collective, Professional Travel Hub, Remote-Careers, Sky Land & Ocean Travel, Sunkissed Getaways, Destination Knot, and Aisle and Abroad—claimed to have a network of 300 recruits. However, when contacted by CBC News, she denied any affiliation with Evolution Travel, despite being praised by its founder.
A conflict has also emerged regarding the company's recruitment practices. Evolution Travel's chief operating officer claims the company consistently tells agents not to post job ads, yet training videos show members discussing how to use LinkedIn for recruitment.